Cerian Bristow BA (Hons), Post Graduate.Diploma., MBACP, MCOSRT

About me

Hello and welcome to Cerian Bristow Counselling.

For most of us there are times in life when we might experience emotional difficulties or distressing events, such as problems within a relationship, a relationship breakdown, losing a loved one, stress at work or feeling generally unfulfilled or despondent with life, amongst others. These times often leave us feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, anxious, disempowered, depressed or confused and not knowing how to cope.

As your counsellor I will provide a quiet, safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment where we will explore areas of your life which are causing you difficulties. Together we can make sense of the problems you are experiencing and aim for you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, whilst increasing your self esteem and self confidence. This will enable us to explore the choices needed to give you the strength to move forward with your life.

As well as generalised counselling, I specialise in Psychosexual and relationship counselling, working with individuals and couples in a non-biased way, exploring sexual and relationship issues. This includes helping you to find more effective ways to communicate, issues around sex, such as, low libido, pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, intimacy problems, amongst others. I also work with clients who are struggling with porn addiction and sex addiction (*). My aim within our work is to explore all elements openly and safely, with the hope of leading to stronger, more fulfilled and loving relationships.

*This is a talking therapy only, NO physical examinations will take place during sessions.

Please see my website for further information.

Training, qualifications & experience

I gained a BA (Hons.) Degree in Counselling, as well as an HNDip. in Psychodynamic Counselling. I also gained a two year Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. I also attend regular CPD training (in accordance with BACP and COSRT recommendations) to further enhance my work. As well as working in my Private Practice, I also spent over two years within an NHS setting, working with individuals and couples.

I appreciate that all clients are individuals and work differently. Therefore, as well as working Psychodynamically, I often incorporate elements of Creative Therapy, CBT techniques, Mindfulness techniques and Brief Solution Focused Therapy within my work. I often find using Mindfulness techniques can offer clients the ability to learn how to manage anxiety more effectively. Then, once practised, these simple techniques can be used in any situation where there may be heightened anxiety and can be a useful tool in our continued work together.

I also hold a good understanding and knowledge of Autism and ADHD, as well as coping with chronic conditions such as, Multiple Sclerosis, Marfan Syndrome and back pain, amongst others..

I am a trained Intake Assessor and, alongside my private practice, I worked at Redhill Counselling Centre for seven years as both a voluntary counsellor and Intake Assessor.

I am a member of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists), as well as a Registered Member of the British Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (MBACP Registered).

Fees

I offer short and long term therapy to individuals and couples. I am also able to offer online sessions, subject to circumstances. Please contact me for more details about this.

Sessions are offered on a weekly basis and are 50 minutes long (60minutes for couples)

My general fees are:

£50/session for individuals and £60/session for couples for a weekday appointment.

£55/session for individuals and £65/session for couples for weekend appointments.

However, I appreciate that choosing a counsellor can sometimes be a difficult and daunting prospect for some. Therefore, in the hope of allaying some of the anxiety around this, I offer one free, no obligation 30 minute initial session* for us to meet and explore working together. (*Please note: The free 30 minute session is only available to individuals for our first face to face meeting, all subsequent sessions will be charged at the full rate and will last for 50 minutes. The 30 minute free initial session is not available for weekend appointments).

(I ask all prospective clients to please include a telephone number they are happy for me to contact them on when initially emailing me. I respond to ALL enquiries so, if you have not received an email/telephone response within 48hrs, please check your 'junk email box', as well as your normal 'inbox' for my reply.)

Further information

Please note: Any areas of counselling mentioned are simply a guide and not conclusive.

Concessions are available, so feel please free to discuss this with me.